Among Friends

[LavernLuvsShoes]

Black-eye Peas, Stewed Tomatoes, Rice, some type of Greens, and some type of Pork.

Supposedly to bring Health & Prosperity for the new year. 

[cheriere]

@LavernLuvsShoes   lol yes that's what its supposed to bring.  I'm familiar with the New Years Day meal you mentioned too 😊

[Miss Pepsi]

Please don't release balloons..  What goes up must come down and this is terrible for the wildlife.  Instead perhaps plant something.

I hate new years and prefer to just sleep until its over.  One of the most depressing holidays for me.  Always been this wayeven when I was a kid.

[CherryHugs]

I released a balloon once for my Mom on her birthday the year she died. 

I loved this but Sadly after reading online all the bad things about these balloon releases I never have again.    

Released balloons can harm animals, humans, and even our environment by leading to accidents, injury, and even power outages. Mylar balloons, the shiny metallic, silver-like balloons, cause thousands of power outages each year when they float away and come into contact with power lines.

Green alternatives to releasing balloons in memory:

Blowing bubbles

Why not scatter rose petals into the water, with the intention of letting go of your emotions? Or gather friends and family together, write messages to your loved one on biodegradable paper, then fold them into boats and set them to sail.

 

You could invite friends and family on a memory walk to your loved one’s favourite beauty spot, write messages on pebbles and leave them on a beach, or ask everyone to donate to their chosen charity.

Plant in remembrance – A great way to honor and remember a loved one or an important issue is to bring more life to our planet. By planting a native tree, flower garden or butterfly garden you are not only giving life to that plant you are also providing shelter, resources, and clean air to all kinds of wildlife and people. This remembrance will last a very long time and you can visit your tree or flower bed as much as you want and create more life by doing so!

Flags, banners, streamers and dancing inflatables – Many businesses are realizing the benefits of using reusable eye-catching signage. Colorful streamers, flags and banners save money and time over balloons, ribbons and helium. They are also weather resistant, save Helium, and can be reused again and again

Kites & garden spinners – Vibrant fabric that dance in the high winds or eye-catching colors spinning in the garden.

Pinwheels – With flashy colors fluttering in the wind, pinwheels are sure to catch many eyes.

Floating flowers – For some, the upward drifting of balloons gives them a sense of letting go, and at the same time thinking the balloon will eventually reach their loved one. Because remembering a loved one by potentially killing another life isn’t exactly the best feeling, there are many alternatives. Floating flowers or flower petals down a calm stream can give you the same sense of letting go. You will be able to be in nature and feel the energy of your loved one and all the life that surrounds you! Be sure to use native flowers and not let go an excessive amount.

Lighting candles & Luminaries – A great way to remember a loved one or welcome new life is by lighting candles. On the anniversary of the passing or the birthday of new life, everyone can light a candle and remember their loved one or wish and be filled by the light of the candle. This can be a lasting, and comforting connection between you and another life! Luminaries are beautiful at night and can be used to line sidewalks or placed in a group.

[luvzchiz]

@CherryHugs   Thank you for your post.  It is heartbreaking to see what balloons do to wildlife and the environment.  

Happy and healthy New Year all!

[50Mickey]

@LavernLuvsShoes    We always have collard greens and black eyed peas on New Year's day. Collards to bring money and the peas for luck.  I have never heard of eating stewed tomatoes on new Years but I love stewed tomatoes and rice. Now I want some. 

[CherryHugs]

@luvzchiz  Yes it really is! I would be releasing balloons if it was safe!! Hugss

[Sooner]

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@50Mickey wrote:

@LavernLuvsShoes    We always have collard greens and black eyed peas on New Year's day. Collards to bring money and the peas for luck.  I have never heard of eating stewed tomatoes on new Years but I love stewed tomatoes and rice. Now I want some. 

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@50Mickey I love stewed tomatoes and cottage cheese for a quick meal!  

For New Year's it was always black eyed peas and hog jowl, with cornbread on the side, and maybe turnip greens.  

We now substitute ham for hog jowl (hard to find) and collards for turnip greens because turnip greens are awful!